u.s.-mexico border. the funds would be used to hire 1,200 border patrol agents and 500 customs officers that would be working the ports of entry, critically needed today, as well as improved tactical communications and making much other needed investments in the security along the u.s.-mexico border. in districts that i represent are concerned about the level of violence affecting our southern neighbor, mexico. as a former border patrol chief and veteran in the united states border patrol, i know very well what these resources that are provided in this amendment mean to a critical area such as the southwest border. i'm particularly encouraged by mr. obey's efforts in this amendment to address the long-standing needs of our ports of entry by funding funds to officers. for too long, inadequate staffing and infrastructure have made the u.s. and mexico border less safe. this is a major step forward in making our nation even more secure by providing funding for more officers at our ports of ent